Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Government officials, and the leadership of the Việt Nam National Chemical Group (Vinachem). — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính attended a ceremony in Hà Nội on August 22 to mark the 55th anniversary of the chemical industry’s traditional day (August 19, 1969 –2024).

The commemorative speech highlighted that the Vietnamese chemical industry was founded with the establishment of the general department of chemicals on August 19, 1969, aiming to serve national defence, agriculture, and civilian needs during the country’s intense struggle for independence. In 2009, the Việt Nam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) was established. In 2023, the group’s revenue exceeded VNĐ57 trillion (US$2.28 billion), with profits reaching nearly $3.3 trillion.

In his remarks, the PM extended his warm congratulations and commended the achievements and efforts of the industry over the past 55 years, recognising its significant contributions to Việt Nam's overall success in national construction and defence.

PM Chính also took note of several challenges facing the sector, which include a limited range of high-tech chemical products and high-value-added goods, the reliance on imported raw materials and chemical inputs, inadequate attention to scientific research, technological innovation, and competitiveness, and environmental pollution issues.

He stressed that the Party and State acknowledge and prioritise the important role of the chemical industry, and urged Vinachem to reinforce its role as a pillar to coordinate and harness collective strength of the sector to implement key tasks and solutions to achieve rapid and sustainable development in the coming period.

The PM requested the industry to review and effectively implement the resolutions and conclusions of the Party, National Assembly, Government, while continuing to strengthen its organisational structure, building a lean and high-quality workforce, modernising management toward smart governance, accelerating digital transformation, and resolving existing issues.

The leader also tasked Vinachem with leading research and investment in new, selected fields aligned with global trends, and developing emerging industries such as semiconductors and energy storage.

He went on emphasising the importance of improving the material and spiritual well-being of workers and of restructuring input products to reduce costs by increasing the use of domestic products and self-production. It is also necessary for the group to coordinate with relevant ministries, localities, and state-owned and private companies to actively participate in both domestic and global supply chains, the PM noted. — VNS